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Medicinal Chemistry News

Under the leadership of new director Yan Zhang, Ph.D., the Center for Drug Discovery has realigned its structure to mirror the industry-standard drug development pipeline and expanded to become a true universitywide hub for translational research. (Photo by Christopher Kendall)

VCU Center for Drug Discovery realigns to advance innovative therapies

May 30, 2025

Led by new director Yan Zhang and working with TechTransfer and Ventures, the center aims to commercialize treatments for sickle cell disease, opioid addiction, dementia and other conditions.

Six VCU School of Pharmacy faculty and staff members join the dean and Rodney the Ram (VCU's mascot) to celebrate their years of service to the university

For their service to VCU, these big numbers reflect their even bigger impact

May 23, 2025

Nearly 3,000 faculty and staff are cited for milestone years at the annual service celebration – and two School of Pharmacy faculty have dedicated at least 35 years of service to the university.

A professor in a dress shirt and blazer sits smiling in his lab in front of a projector with a 2-D representation of the interconnection of molecules while holding two vials of different liquids as additional vials of liquid sit on his desk in front of him

Dr. Youzhong Guo pioneers a new biopharma blueprint

May 23, 2025

A commitment to membrane proteins has rendered technology that has placed Youzhong Guo, Ph.D., an associate professor in our Department of Medicinal Chemistry, on the radar of some of the largest players in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Recent pharmaceutical engineering graduate Asma Al-Terawi, Ph.D., in her doctoral tam, hood and gown poses for a family photo with her husband and their three sons after the VCU School of Pharmacy Hooding and Diploma Ceremony on May 9, 2025.

At graduation, Class of 2025 reflects on perseverance and the support that got them through

May 16, 2025

Keynote speaker Tiffani Bailey Lash, Ph.D., encourages Ph.D. and Pharm.D. graduates to "embrace the tools of tomorrow without forgetting the humanity that brought you here."

A research team led by Virginia Commonwealth University and Columbia University has gained novel insights into a protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation. (Getty Images)

Researchers may have solved decades-old mystery behind benzodiazepine side effects

April 14, 2025

Identifying a key protein’s role could improve the common mental health medications and point to new treatments for inflammation-related diseases, VCU medicinal chemist Youzhong Guo says.

Keith Ellis

Ellis appointed Director of B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program

March 18, 2025

After serving as interim director since August, Keith C. Ellis, Ph.D., began his role as the Director of the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, effective March 17.

Shijun Zhang, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Pharmacy, is pioneering drug discovery research focused on an essential component of the immune system. (Christopher Kendall)

Alzheimer’s, antennas and AI are highlighted in VCU faculty research receiving new Commercialization Fund awards

Feb. 19, 2025

Five projects are selected in the latest round of funding that helps bring campus innovation to the marketplace.

Students use digital health technologies, including virtual reality headsets, in a computer lab at VCU School of Pharmacy.

VCU School of Pharmacy launches digital health, geriatrics and pharmaceutical industry concentrations for Pharm.D. program

Dec. 17, 2024

Students can gain specialized training that will prepare them for careers in growing areas of the pharmacy profession.

Shijun Zhang

Shijun Zhang named 2024 NIRA Scholar

Nov. 25, 2024

Shijun Zhang, Ph.D. becomes the third VCU Pharmacy faculty member to be named a NIRA Scholar.

A student presents findings during a research poster presentation at Research Day at Haleon.

Students excel in exceptional Research Day at Haleon

Oct. 31, 2024

Eight students earned awards for excelling academically and for presenting their findings at this year's Research Day at Haleon.